It seems like the beginning of a classic joke from decades ago, but there was once a Mallorcan, a Menorcan and a Canarian, and chance, together with the good eye of those who signed them, made them coincide in time and place at Real Madrid ( and in the national team) to form a trio legendary for its talent, competitive ability, commitment and longevity that has resulted in a colossal service record. This final, lifting in unison another title, won from the brave UCAM, has been the last joint effort, the last service to the white cause, the last opportunity to see three unrepeatable players together on a field, each one in his own style.
Rudy, tremendous shooter, springs in his legs, fire in his eyes, capable of raising a flag, even if sometimes it was to rebuke him. No task, no matter how unpleasant, has been impossible for him. He has known how to age well, adapting to the different roles that his team demanded of him and leading with his behavior more than with words.
With Chacho we started talking about poetry in motion. Worthy heir of Carmelo Cabrera, the first globbertroter of Spanish basketball, his thing has been pure magic from an early age. When he understood that it was not necessary to leave us with our mouths open on every play, he became a more concrete player. When he added a clever wrist to his devilish command of the ball and 360-degree vision, he became something very serious. When he and his teammates understood that his hands were the best destination to negotiate a last decisive move, he became lethal.
The trio is completed by Llull, the best dynamite player in the history of Spanish basketball. A force of nature united to a head where the impossible does not exist. There are already countless collections of shots that when they leave his hand border on the irrational to end in an explosion when they kiss the net. But the effects of his game are not limited to highlights. His physical display, unlimited energy, determination, effectiveness, exuberance and magnetism are unparalleled.
Their differences are also evident if we talk about characters. Llull’s, expansive, volcanic. Chacho prefers a low profile, without attracting more attention than necessary. If Llull’s basketball is played loudly, Chacho’s is played based on ohhhhs. Rudy, meanwhile, navigates between the two, joining one style or the other depending on the circumstances. Sometimes he leads the way, other times he acts as a temperate teacher. Three great players without any doubt. Three different ways to lead a group. Three different pieces of a puzzle that have managed to fit together perfectly, offering different solutions to the problems that his team could face.
Let them take away our dance
We will no longer see them together on a track, but the mark they leave is profound because it connects with values that never go out of style. The passion for the game and the competition, the collective conscience, the camaraderie, the respect for the opponent, the humility to not believe oneself more than anyone, the ambition to not believe oneself less than anyone, the intelligence to understand that the passage of time changes roles but they are all important. Separately they have been great, together they have been enormous. Their farewell as a group had to be in a big way, winning the League once again and being decisive on the court. Llull was in the semi-final with Barça, Rudy in the final. Chacho always is.
Life goes on and, although now separately, there are a possible sixth Games for Rudy, Llull will continue next season around the Palace throwing his tangerines and Chacho, although things smell like hanging boots (the detail of raising the cup by the three speaks for itself) well we’ll see what he decides in a few days. All that remains is to thank you for such a long and successful adventure. We will miss them, but hey, let them take away our dance.
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